In Conversation with Michael George to Bring His Insights on Becoming a Caregiver Supporter

Embarking on becoming a caregiver supporter is a transformative and deeply rewarding experience that extends far beyond duty. It signifies a commitment to selflessly caring for the well-being of another, often a cherished family member or friend, facing the challenges of aging, illness, or disability.

As a caregiver supporter, you step into a role defined by compassion, patience, and unwavering dedication. It’s a journey marked by profound moments of connection, where empathy becomes a guiding light. In this noble endeavor, you’ll discover the resilience of the human spirit and the immense capacity for love and understanding that resides within us all.

To shed some light on the same, we interviewed a home care industry expert to bring his perspective on caregiver support to light.

Let’s get started with knowing what our expert thinks of the home care industry:

Question 1: What made you become a professional caregiver supporter?

My wife and I have been family caregivers to our son for over 3 decades, so we know the pain, the struggle, and the burden that comes with it. But we also know how fulfilling it can be. We also supported my dad for 14 years to live at home, who lived to the age of 100.

Question 2: In your opinion, what is the best part about becoming a caregiver?

Being a family caregiver is a tremendous gift. If you can look beyond the day-to-day and not just be your family member’s hands and feet, you begin to see it as a huge opportunity to improve another person’s life. I could say much more on this topic, but I hope this helps.

Question 3: How do you motivate caregivers to practice self-care while offering senior care?

The principle we follow is that caregiving is NOT a solo act. It can’t be on the shoulders of one person in the family. It has to be a shared responsibility. So, to practice self-care, we help families build a circle of care around them so they can lower their stress and give them the peace of mind they deserve … which gives them the time and the space to see beyond.

Question 4: What activities should caregivers indulge in to avoid burnout?

One critical activity is to develop a stillness practice. Some call it prayer; some call it meditation. You must quiet your mind for at least 30 minutes daily (or more) and shut out all the frantic parts of your life. Just be present for those 30 mins.

Question 5: What advice do you give caregivers struggling with keeping calm while providing quality care?

I would first help them understand what is making them stressed, why they can’t be calm, and how that impacts the quality of the care they’re providing. Not to make them feel guilty or shameful but to help them see the connection.

Final Words

Embracing the role of a caregiver supporter is a profound testament to the boundless power of empathy and kindness. It’s a journey marked by selflessness, where the act of giving becomes a source of immense fulfillment. Through countless challenges and victories, caregivers discover their own resilience, patience, and capacity to love unconditionally. The bond forged in the crucible of caregiving is unparalleled, creating a tapestry of shared experiences and enduring connections.

Becoming a caregiver supporter is not just about providing care; it’s about fostering dignity, respect, and compassion. In this role, one not only transforms the lives of others but also finds profound meaning and purpose, making a lasting impact on both the giver and the receiver.